Illinois coach Bruce Weber said Tuesday that freshman forward Jereme Richmond returned from spring break and remained a member of the basketball program, but Weber wouldn't go into details when asked about the future of his coaching staff.

John Supinie

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois coach Bruce Weber said Tuesday that freshman forward Jereme Richmond returned from spring break and remained a member of the basketball program, but Weber wouldn't go into details when asked about the future of his coaching staff.

Coming off a 20-14 season after a loss to Kansas in the round of 32 in the NCAA tournament, Weber said Richmond, who sat the two tournament games for undisclosed violation of team and athletic department rules, is "here right now and part of the program.''

His suspension during the NCAA tournament was Richmond's second of the season, and Weber wouldn't say if he's planning on building around Richmond next season.

"That's so far out,'' Weber said. "Right now, he's here working out.

"If Jereme takes care of business and does what he's supposed to do, he will be here at Illinois. It's just like every kid. They've got to go to class, get up every day, come to workouts and come to weight lifting. If they do that and make progress in school and on the court, he will be fine.''

The volatile Richmond is considered a key component next season, when the Illini make a transition after losing four seniors from this year's team. The Illini are expected to have only one scholarship senior, Bradley transfer Sam Maniscalco, and Richmond would be a cornerstone.

"As long as Jereme takes care of business, he should be fine,'' Weber said.

Weber didn't have such a definitive answer when it came to his coaching staff. The speculation centered around the possibility of a shakeup. Weber is known for his loyalty to the program and his staff, but athletic director Ron Guenther pushed football coach Ron Zook to make staff changes prior to last season.

Guenther said in February he would leave it in Weber's hands, but Weber left some doubt when asked about his staff.

"I don't know,'' Weber said. "I will meet with Mr. Guenther, probably after the Final Four. We always have a year-ending meet, then meet with the staff. Some of our guys are always trying to get (head coaching) jobs. We'll see what happens.''

John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.

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